Monday, November 30, 2009

It was Saturday, November 28th. I entered Steveston Community Centre's parking lot with great trepidation. The annual Christmas craft fair was in progress. And, as always, a great number of eager shoppers had beat me to it.

Why would browsing through a room full of lovingly crafted creations inspire fear in me, you say?

Probably because I was entering the Net Shed not as a shopper, but as a blogger. Instead of a bag, I had a camera slung over my shoulder. Plus a few hastily printed business cards. My plan was to take photos of some of the crafters and their products for my Steveston blog, which features events and people around the village.

Alas, I was beset by doubts. What if the crafters said "no"? What if they grew hostile and kicked me out the door? What if they worried about having their ideas stolen? What if ...

To make matters worse, it was strictly wall-to-wall people in the cavernous building. How could I get close enough to the persons sitting behind those tables laden with rows upon rows of treasures? I spent at least half an hour meandering up and down the aisles before summoning up enough courage to identify myself to a slim blonde. She graciously agreed to have her photo taken and helpfully pointed out a nearby table where I would most likely be just as lucky. From then on, it was like pushing a set of dominos down as one vendor after another gave me the nod. I grew bolder and began to really enjoy chatting them up.

As I walked away from the fair, I was struck by the talent of the Christmas craft fair participants. But, more importantly, I was impressed with their friendliness, courteousness, contagious enthusiasm, and generosity - with their time and creative ideas.

This blog entry is dedicated to all of you who took the time to pose and smile for me!

Sandy Bahrich - Firefly NotesSandy’s nostalgic magnets drew me to her table. Of course, anything with the Eiffel Tower stamped on it would, because I absolutely worship the City of Light. Sandy does more than magnets, however. Check out her site and be amazed.

Andie Froese - Andie's ArtefactsThe first thing I noticed about Andie was her friendliness. The second was her obsession with hieroglyphics. The third thing was that she made great jewelry. Hm, a winning combination, don't you think?

Dixie and Tracy - Lil' BlingThe array of hair clips for little princesses on Dixie and Tracy’s table made me wish I still had a baby in my arms. But only for a split second! I couldn't help but admire the patience, care, not to mention eye-crossing concentration that must have gone into every single item in their collection. If that’s not a labour of love, I don’t know what is!

Shannon Stewart - Plain JaneIf I have to think of a quality that characterizes Shannon’s Swarovski crystal jewelry, it would have to be understated elegance. Less is always more!

Angie Kehler - Crafts & Greeting CardsWant to make your Christmas more festive? Angie’s cards and bags are just the thing to make your holiday glitter and sparkle.

Melanie Kalley - Kalley KandyI am not a candy type person but Melanie insisted I try a piece of her honey almond nougat. And boy, was I glad she did. How do you describe an airy lightness with just a whisper of sweetness melting on your tongue? Oh, I guess I just did!

D.S.Mercer - The Pen Guy!If fine handwriting ever returned as a art form, Duglus would be well ahead of the pack. His pens felt so solid and wonderfully heavy in my hand and glided over a paper like a dream.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

And the happy ghosts welcoming committee has graciously made way for Santa and his puffy Christmas tree, which leaned sideways like the Tower of Pisa.

In a blink of an eye it seemed, someone had peeled off the orange and black trappings of Halloween and brushed swaths of Christmas greens, reds, silver, and whites on store windows. Talk about turbo charging the start of the shopping season!

And if those seasonal colours fail to get your engine warmed up, there are signs aplenty to nudge you in the right direction.

What are you waiting for? The call to shop will only get more intense. Get the old credit card out and charge out the door, because it’s that time of year again…

Monday, November 2, 2009

Yes, you can get a cup of tea, a glass of wine, or a mug of beer in Steveston. But one sweep of the neighbourhood would tell you that Stevestonites are hard core coffee drinkers.

There is the iconic Starbucks

The well respected Blenz Coffee

And the up-and-coming Waves Coffee

But what makes Steveston truly unique is the proliferation of the smaller local favourites such as Steveston Coffee

And Bean and Beyond Cafe.

And let's not forget Alegria Cafe & Giftware

and Cannery Cafe

and Oasis Cafe

The scattering of beans from one end of the village to the other is a good thing, too. It's not that such healthy competition would benefit your pocketbook - because their prices are pretty comparable - but because parking is always at a premium. Especially on sunny days. With coffee houses dispersed throughout the village, those with caffeine craving can satisfy their addiction just about anywhere.

Know the best way to enjoy a steamin' cup?• Seated on a boardwalk bench while watching the might Fraser River go by• Sprawled on the grass at Garry Point Park with your nose in a good book• Walking your dog with a cup in hand - until you need to get the old plastic bag out

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